About Me

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Loss of a Friend

Harold J. Dick

Harold lived a very full life filled with family, friends, fellow car enthusiasts and his business. He was born in Dallas, Ore., in 1937, graduated from Tigard High School class of 1955 and went on to Portland State College. Harold was the proud owner of Harold's Auto Service, which he began 48 years ago (1961) with two grease racks in a rental space provided by Jack's Shell station on Southeast Seventh and Morrison. His unique personality charmed his customers and required expansions and relocations to a shop on Southeast Belmont Street at the east end of the Morrison Bridge, then to the present location on Southeast Seventh and Grant in Portland. Harold was known for his love of cars, his infectious laugh, his ability to have a personal relationship with every customer and his unique way of doing business. It was through his relationships and referrals that his business grew without a phone book listing nor any paid advertising. He had a strong opinion about car maintenance and was never shy to be direct. His customers thrived on his poignancy and were incredibly loyal-in some cases three generations of family customers. Harold had no intention of ever retiring from his love of cars and the people that drove them; next to his family, it's what he loved. Harold's passion for cars included the people, their cars and the clubs that brought them together. Those memberships included Club T-MG, Northwest Automotive Trades Association (past president), The Touring Club of Oregon (past treasurer), Sports Car Club of America, Columbia Gorge MGA Club, Cascade Sports Car Club, Kiwanis and the Milwaukie Elks. In his early days through midlife, he raced cars throughout the Pacific Northwest region through Sports Car Club of America. In addition to his passion for cars he made sure to spend time giving back as a weekly driver for the Meals-On-Wheels program. He also served as a car show judge for the Concours d'Elegance in Forest Grove every summer. Harold is survived by his wife, Gerri; sons, Kip, Steve and Brice (Andréa); sister, Priscilla Price; brothers, John and Darrell Dick; and grandchildren, Kellan, Devon and Eliana. A memorial service celebrating Harold's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, in the Melody Ballroom in Southeast Portland.